Chapter 14 — The Ao Dai Shop at the End of the Street

While the whole street was anxiously waiting for the official results from the appraisal, journalist Trinh Duc Anh contacted Quang Duy, announcing that he had completed most of the investigation work and was preparing to publish the first article in a series of investigative articles about irregularities in the urban beautification project.

"I have fully verified the evidence of the relationship of interest between the investor company and a number of officials on the approval board," Mr. Duc Anh announced over the phone, his voice filled with the confidence of a seasoned journalist. "The first article will be posted later this week."

"That's really important news," Quang Duy replied, feeling both relief and worry at the news. "But I'm also concerned about possible reactions after the article is published."

"It is inevitable in investigation work," Mr. Duc Anh said. "But I have prepared carefully, ensuring all information has a solid legal basis to avoid unnecessary risks."

***

As expected, the first investigative article was published over the weekend, with the shocking title: "Behind the Urban Renewal Project: Who Really Benefits?" The article exposed details about the family relationship between Mr. Dang Huu Tai and the investor company, along with unusual expenses disguised as professional consulting.

The news spread quickly, creating a wave of outrage among the public. Many other newspapers also began to get involved, digging deeper into the case, increasing the pressure on the authorities.

“We need to have an official response,” a senior city official declared in an emergency press conference held just two days after the first article appeared. "We will establish an independent inspection team to comprehensively review the urban beautification project in the Hoai Xuan old town area."

That news brought a new wave of hope to the entire street community. Doan, when hearing the news on television, could not hide his emotions. "Finally, the truth is gradually coming to light," she told Quang Duy over the phone, her voice shaking with emotion.

"This is just the first step," Quang Duy cautiously reminded, although he could not hide his joy. "We need to continue to closely monitor the inspection process, ensuring it is carried out seriously and transparently."

***

Meanwhile, at the planning company, the atmosphere became chaotic after the article was published. Mr. Dang Huu Tai was temporarily suspended from his position to serve the investigation, while many other employees, including Anh Tuan, were summoned to provide information to the inspection team.

"I have provided everything I know," Mr. Tuan told Quang Duy after the meeting with the inspection team, his voice still somewhat tense. "They seem very serious about investigating this incident."

"Thank you, for everything you've done," Quang Duy said, unable to hide his deep gratitude for his loyal companion. "Without your support, we probably wouldn't have gotten this far."

"We did the right thing together," Anh Tuan replied, smiling with relief. "That's the most important thing."

A few days later, Quang Duy was also invited by the inspection team to provide detailed information about what he discovered while working on the project. The meeting lasted many hours, with detailed and profound questions from inspection team members.

"Thank you for your cooperation and courage in providing information," the inspection team leader said at the end of the meeting. "The evidence you provide will play an important role in clarifying the entire case."

Leaving the meeting, Quang Duy felt a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. Although the future of his work is still uncertain, he clearly feels that what he has sacrificed and fought for is finally starting to bring positive results, not only for Vinh Xuan shop and Hoai Xuan ancient street, but also for transparency and fairness in the management and urban development of the entire city.

***

In the following days, Mr. Duc Anh's series of investigative articles continued to be published, each article providing more specific evidence about the scale of the incident. Public opinion is increasingly indignant, many civil society organizations have also called for a comprehensive investigation, not only limited to a single project but also the way urban development projects are approved in general.

"This could become a landmark case," lawyer Hai Dang commented in a meeting with Doan and Quang Duy, when the three were reviewing the latest developments together. "If handled to the end, it could contribute to promoting important reforms in the urban management process."

"I hope so," Doan said, although she is well aware that the road ahead still has many unpredictable challenges. "But the most important thing to us right now is still the fate of Hoai Xuan ancient street."

"I believe, with what is going on, the possibility of the renovation project being completely canceled is very high," said lawyer Hai Dang. "Especially when combined with the relic recognition application being in the final appraisal stage."

The conversation brought great hope, although all three understood that they still needed to remain vigilant and closely monitor all developments until there was an official conclusion from the competent authorities.

***

One week after the investigative series began, the city held an official press conference to announce the preliminary results of the inspection team. Both Doan and Quang Duy, along with a large number of people in Hoai Xuan ancient town, gathered to watch on television, anxiously waiting for important information.

"Through the preliminary inspection process, we confirmed that there are unusual signs in the approval process of the urban beautification project in Hoai Xuan old town area," the city government representative announced, his voice solemn and serious. "We decided to pause this project indefinitely to conduct a comprehensive investigation, and will seriously consider the proposal to recognize the area as a monument."

That news made the whole Hoai Xuan street burst into extreme joy. Doan hugged her mother, happy tears rolling down her cheeks. “We did it, Mom,” she said, her voice choked with emotion.

Quang Duy, standing next to him, could not hide his extreme happiness. He looked at Doan, his eyes filled with pride and love. "We did it," he repeated her words, pulling her into a tight, emotional hug as the cheers of joy from the entire community echoed throughout the beloved old street.

***

Mrs. Xuan, sitting in a wheelchair pushed out by her nephew to watch the press conference together on a small TV in front of the shop, could not hide the tears of happiness rolling down her wrinkled face. "I didn't think I'd live to see this day," she said, her voice shaking with extreme emotion.

"You will live a long time to see Vinh Xuan shop continue to grow, grandmother," Doan said, kneeling down to hug his grandmother, both their tears mingling together in that emotional moment.

The whole street quickly organized an impromptu celebration right on the street, with drums and traditional music resounding loudly, people from old to young poured into the streets to rejoice at this important news. The lanterns are lit earlier than usual, creating a sparkling, warm scene in the middle of the sunset.

The neighborhood leader stood up to speak to the joyful crowd. “This is a victory for all of us,” he said, his voice ringing with pride. "The victory of solidarity, of perseverance, and of belief in justice. We have proven that, when the community stands up together for common values, no force can easily trample on the legitimate rights of the people."

Applause and cheers rang out continuously after that speech. Doan stood in the middle of the crowd, holding Quang Duy's hand tightly, her heart filled with an indescribable emotion - pride, happiness, and deep gratitude to all those who accompanied her throughout this arduous but also extremely meaningful journey.

"This is just the beginning," Quang Duy whispered in her ear, amid the bustling noise of the celebration. "We still have a lot of work to do to ensure this street is truly sustainable in the future."

"I know," Doan replied, smiling at him with confidence. "But today, let us fully enjoy this joy first, before continuing the journey ahead."